Why Most Crane Insurance Programs Fail Long Term With Chris Thomas

In this episode of Crane Talk, the team sits down with Chris Thomas, CEO of Artes, a London-based MGA specializing in bespoke insurance programs for cranes, rigging, and heavy equipment. Chris walks Ron and Gene through the realities of crane and rigging insurance, from underwriting complexity to claims discipline and subrogation. He explains why many insurance programs fail after just a few years and why sustainable success requires experienced partners, accurate data, and a willingness to stay committed through both profitable and loss-heavy cycles.The conversation also explores broader industry challenges, including litigation exposure, nuclear verdicts, and the importance of educating capacity providers. Chris closes by reflecting on leadership, philanthropy, and building an insurance business designed to endure—not chase short-term premium.Connect with Artes:Website: www.artes-specialty.comChris: [email protected]: [email protected] the ShowCrane talk is a podcast hosted by Ron Thompson and Gene Greiner, 2 highly successful insurance producers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. About Ron:Ron has been specializing in the heavy iron insurance world as a broker since 1992. In the complex world of heavy iron risk exposure, Ron’s expertise is in contractual risk transfer, contract review, fleet safety management where “rubber meets the road” and keeping clients updated on legislative issues that effect the crane & rigging industry and maximizing profit for his clientele.Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-thompson-ba0a805a/About Gene:Gene Greiner is Vice President of commercial insurance for CoVerica with 15 years of focus on heavy construction risk. Based in Dallas, TX, he is deeply embedded in serving this industry’s risk transfer needs and, enjoys active advocacy though the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association and the Texas Crane Owners Association.  Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-greiner-b08a0617/New episodes drop each month. Please drop us a line if you have a question or suggestion; you can reach us at [email protected]. Finally, if you like the podcast, we encourage you to subscribe and leave us a review.